Bone alignment and fixation device and method

ABSTRACT

This invention concerns a device, and instruments for its insertion, that aligns two sections of bone and fixates the two sections to one another. The alignment feature and the fixation feature are typically independent, but they are incorporated into one device. The device is particularly well adapted to the alignment and fixation of a fragment of cranial bone with the remainder of the cranium. The device can be applied to a cranial bone fragment, and it allows the bone fragment to be aligned with the outer cortex of the cranium; prevents the bone fragment from entering the cranial cavity; and if desired, fixates the bone fragment to the cranium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the alignment and fixation of bone segments as required for appropriate bone healing, for example after fracture or surgical intervention, and specifically to a device, and the tools needed to install the said device, for the alignment and fixation of cranial bone fragments.

In cases of bone fragmentation where bone fixation is desired, the appropriate alignment of the bone is also a desired result. This is especially true in the cranium, where bone fragmentation can occur as a result of trauma, congenital deformity, or of surgical intervention. In the field of neurosurgery, cranial bone fragments are frequently cut and removed to create defects to allow for access into the cranial cavity and the brain.

The bony cranium is generally regarded to have two surfaces: the outer surface which is characterized by the outer cortex of the bone and is adjacent to the scalp and soft tissue; and the inner surface which is characterized by the inner cortex of the bone and which is adjacent to the cranial cavity and the brain. Between the inner cortex and the outer cortex, which are dense layers of bone, lies the diploe which generally consists of soft bone and bone marrow. When a bone fragment is created, a cut between the bone fragment (the primary bone zone) and the remainder of the cranium (the secondary bone zone) is present.

Several methods of alignment and fixation of primary and secondary bone zones are known. Traditional techniques involve the use of several pieces of filament, such as wire, that are tied after being threaded through holes drilled obliquely through the outer cortex to the cut surface of both bone zones. Precise alignment of the two zones can be difficult and the technique can be cumbersome.

Commonly, the zones of bone can be aligned and fixated with a system of plates and screws (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,372,598; 5,413,577; and 5,578,036). A plate made of metal or other substance can be fixated to the outer cortex of the primary bone zone with screws whose penetration of the bone can be limited to the outer cortex. With three of more plates attached to the primary bone in such a way that the plates protrude beyond the edges of the primary bone zone, the primary bone zone can be introduced into a defect and aligned to the outer cortex of the secondary bone zone without danger of the primary bone zone falling too deeply into the defect in the secondary bone zone and exerting pressure on the underlying tissue such as the brain. Fixation can then be achieved by employing additional screws fixating the plates to the outer cortex of the secondary bone zone. Plates and screws systems allow for the alignment and fixation of the zones, while preventing the primary bone zone from falling below the level of the secondary bone zone without actually introducing a component of the device below the secondary bone zone. A plate with a spring clip extension has been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,217). Plate and screw systems can be expensive and time consuming to use.

Devices that align the two bone zones by way of compressing them between the two disks positioned along the inner and outer cortex have been described. (Foreign Patents: DE 19603887C2, DE 19634699C1, DE 29812988U1, EP 0787466A1.) A pin connects the two disks aligning and securing two bone zones. These devices introduce foreign material that is left below the inner cortex, and they do not protect the underlying tissue from compression during the installation procedure.

Devices that fixate bone zones using friction forces created by a cam without a component that extends below the inner cortex are known and described (Patent DE 19634697C1). These devices also do not protect the brain from compression during the installation procedure.

Intramedulary pins are well known in the orthopedic fields for alignment of long bones. Such pins have also been described for cranial fixation (U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,685); however, the bone zones can not be aligned in three dimensions with this technique.

There is a need for an alignment and fixation device that is simple and rapid to use, versatile, and ultimately cost effective.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a device and instruments for its use that aligns the one cortex of a primary zone with one cortex of a secondary bone zone without extending to the opposing cortex, and which fixates the bone zones to each other. When used in the field of neurosurgery, the device is applied to the primary bone zone and it aligns the outer cortex of the primary bone zone with the outer cortex of the secondary bone zone; it prevents the primary bone zone from entering the cranial cavity; and it provides fixation of the two bone zones. The alignment feature can be used independently from the fixation feature. An example of the use of the alignment feature is in the replacement of a cranial bone fragment which will be held in place by the tissue forces of the scalp, which allows for the bone fragment to be elevated away from the cranial cavity in cases where brain swelling occurs. Fixation can also be applied to attach the alignment device to the bone, using elements alone or in combination such as filaments, screws, rivets, pins, clips, cams, friction or adhesives. The alignment aspect of the invention can also be applied to situations where it is desired to offset the alignment of the bone fragment to the adjacent bone such as where the object is to create a more prominent chin by cutting the bone of the chin and advancing the bone fragment.

The fixation feature of the invention is likewise independent from the alignment feature. The fixation feature of the device relies on the principle that the device is fixated to the primary bone zone and the fixation feature grips the secondary bone zone by means of spring loaded tab or hook elements engaging the soft areas of the medullary space, irregularities along the cut surface, or a slot cut into the cut surface of the secondary bone zone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an improved clip meeting the above need or needs.

As will be seen the preferred clip is configured to interconnect primary and secondary bone zones having edges spaced apart by a gap, the clip comprising

a) a tab such as a small plate to extend over a surface of the secondary bone zone, above a level defined by that surface, and

b) a first projection carried by the tab and configured to penetrate the primary bone zone at the edge thereof, and below said surface level.

As will be seen, a second projection may be provided and carried by the tab and configured to engage the secondary bone zone at the edge thereof, and below said surface level.

It is another object to provide an extension of the tab projecting below said first level, that extension carrying the first projection, and also the second projection if it is provided. In this regard, the second projection is typically located beneath the tab; and the first projection extends generally parallel to the tab and forwardly from a part of the tab extension below said surface level, and it preferably has a sharp terminal to enable penetration of diploe.

A further object is to provide the second projection to have a sharp terminal, and to extend at an angle toward the tab, in order to resist removal relative to the secondary bone zone.

Yet another object is to provide another second projection carried by the tab in sidewardly spaced relation to the first mentioned second projection, and configured to engage the secondary bone zone at the edge thereof, and below said surface level.

An additional object is to provide a plate or flap defining the primary bone zone, and to provide multiple of the clips having their first projections penetrating the primary bone zone at different edges thereof, below a surface defined by the plate or flap.

The method of using the clip as referred to includes the steps

i) causing the first projection to penetrate the primary bone zone,

ii) and then locating the tab to extend over said surface of the secondary bone zone, and attaching the tab to that surface.

As will be seen, the step i) preferably includes pushing the clip toward the primary bone zone to effect push-in penetration of the first projection into said primary bone zone. The method may further include providing a second projection carried by the tab and configured to engage the secondary bone zone at the edge thereof, and below said surface level, the method including displacing the clip and said second projection to engage the secondary bone zone at the edge thereof, below said surface level. An additional step includes displacing the clip in a direction to effect scraping of the edge of the secondary bone zone by the second projection, the second projection oriented to resist reverse displacement of the clip in an upward or opposite direction relative to the secondary bone zone. In this regard, the method may include effecting penetration of the edge of the secondary bone zone by the second projection in an angular direction toward the tab.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which:

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a bone flap fixated on a skull, employing fixation clips;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a clip employing the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the FIG. 2 clip;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the clip taken on lines 4—4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view taken on lines 5—5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a clip blank in one plane, prior to deformation to FIG. 2 configuration;

FIG. 7 is a section showing the FIG. 1 clip attached to primary and secondary bone zones;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing clip attachment to a primary bone zone;

FIG. 9 shows multiple clips attached to opposite edges of a bone flap defining primary bone zones;

FIG. 10 shows the clips installed in a skull opening;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view like FIG. 2, showing a modified clip;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view like FIG. 11 showing another modified clip;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 8, and showing attachment of a clip of FIG. 11 form, to a primary bone zone, such as a bone flap;

FIG. 14 is a section taken through a cranial bone flap, having two FIG. 11 type clips attached at opposite edges, and positioned for clip attachment to secondary bone zone sections;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a cranial bone flap having four FIG. 11 type clips attached, at its four edges;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a further modified clip, of FIG. 2 type;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tool usable in conjunction with the FIG. 16 clip, to effect penetration of a clip projection into a primary bone zone;

FIG. 18 shows use of a barb;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a further modified clip using a barb;

FIG. 20 is an end view taken on lines 20—20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view taken on lines 21—21 of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a clip blank in one plane, prior to deformation to FIG. 19 configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 2-5 and 7, the illustrated and preferred clip 10 is configured to interconnect primary and secondary bone zones 11 and 12 having opposed and spaced apart edges 11 c and 12 c. A cut or gap 13 is formed between the opposed edges of the primary and secondary bone zones. Diploe is shown at 15 between the top and bottom surfaces 11 a and 11 b of zone 11; and at 16 between the top and bottom surfaces 12 a and 12 b of zone 12. As also seen in FIG. 1, primary bone zones 11 may be defined by bone flap 17; and secondary bone zones 12 may be defined by skull 18 and its zone extents at 12 opposing zones 11. In the adult, cranial bone or skull averages 7 mm in thickness, but varies between 3 and 12 mm.

The clip 10, which is preferably metallic includes the following

a) a tab 20 to extend over a surface 12 a of the secondary bone zone 12, above surface level;

b) a first projection 21 carried by the tab and configured to penetrate the exposed diploe of the primary bone zone 11 at the edge 11 c of that zone (and typically into diploe 15);

c) and at least one second projection 22 carried by the tab and configured to engage (for example gouge into) the exposed diploe of the secondary bone zone 12 at its edge 12 c, below the level of surface 12 a.

In the example, two such second projections are provided, as is clear from FIGS. 4 and 6, and they are located at opposite sides of a lengthwise plane 23 bisecting the clip, including projection 21. See FIGS. 4 and 6. Such projections are equally spaced from plane 23, as indicated by dimensions D₁, seen in FIG. 4. The projections 21 and 22 have legs 21 a and 22 a, and their terminals are sharpened at 21 b and 22 b, to facilitate penetration of the diploe zones, as seen in FIG. 7. Leg 21 a and projection 21 extend forwardly in direction 24 from a tab downward extension 20 a; and projection 22 extends back upwardly at an approximate angle of 30° C. toward the underside of the tab 20. Note that leg 22 a extends from tab extension 20 a and is U-shaped. A bend is formed at 22 d. Projections 22 may also diverge laterally oppositely, as seen in FIG. 4, to provide greater stability of the plate or flap 17, as in FIG. 10 installed condition. Four edges 11 c of that flap are seen in FIGS. 1 and 9, and corresponding four edges 12 c of the skull face the flap edges and receive penetration of the stabilizing clip projections 22, as described.

The method of use of the clip or clips includes the following steps:

i) causing the first projection or projections 21 to penetrate the primary bone zone or zones;

ii) and then causing the second projection or projections 22 to grip the secondary bone zone at the edge thereof.

Step i) includes pushing the clip 10 relatively toward the edge 11 c of the primary bone zone 11, as in direction 30 seen in FIG. 8. This effects push-in penetration of the first projection 21 into the bone zone 11, as for example into diploe 15. Push-in is typically completed when bent down tab extension 20 a closely approaches and/or engages edge 11 c of the primary bone zone 11 defined by the plate or flap 17. Four such pushed-in clips are seen in FIG. 9, the clips located in opposed pair positions, at four sides of the 17. Each tab 20 has a through hole 40 drilled or formed therein to receive a fastener such as a retention screw, indicated at 41 in FIG. 5, to penetrate and attach to the skull proximate the secondary bone regions.

The step ii) preferably also includes displacing the clip in a direction (typically relatively downwardly toward the skull to bring 21, 22, and 20 a into gap 13 as seen in FIG. 7) to effect scraping of the edge 12 c of the secondary bone zone 12 by the tip of the angled second projection. That projection is oriented, i.e. angled, to resist displacement of the clip in an upward or opposite direction, relative to bone zone 12. For example, attempted upward and outward displacement would increase the “gouge-in” movement of the second projection, into the diploe 16.

Note further that the installed spacing d₂ of the bone zone edges 11 c and 12 c is slightly less than the spacing d₃ as measured from the sharp terminal of the projection 22 to the surface 32 of the tab extension facing the edge 11 c. The width d₂ of gap 13 between 11 c and 12 c is slightly less than the dimension d₃, i.e.

d₂<d₃,

to provide a desirably tight installation of plate 17 into the corresponding skull opening.

In FIG. 3 note angularity β of the sharpened taper of projection 21, where β is approximately 67°, and the through opening 43 in tab extension 20 a to receive a fastener 44 (if used to attach extension 20 a to 11.

Projections 22 can resiliently deflect, slightly to accommodate the multiple clips to the gaps 13 between 11 and 12, as during plate or tab downward installation, as seen in FIG. 10.

Reference is now made to the modified clip 110 of FIGS. 11 and 14. It includes:

a) a tab or plate 120 to extend over a surface 112 a of secondary bone zone or zones 112 (see FIG. 14), above a level defined by that surface; and

b) a first projection 121 carried by the tab 120, and configured to penetrate the edge of exposed diploe 111 a of primary bone zone 111, below the levels of tab 120 and surface 112 a.

The projection or tang 121 has a leg 121 a, and its forward terminal is sharpened at 121 b to facilitate penetration into the bone marrow zone, as seen in FIG. 14. Leg 121 a extends forwardly from a tab downward extension 120 a in the form of a flange. The method of use of the clip 110 includes the following steps:

i) causing the projection 121 to penetrate the primary bone zone, such as into diploe, (see FIG. 13); and

ii) locating the tab 120 to extend over the surface 112 a of the secondary bone zone, as in FIG. 14 for example, and attaching the tab to that surface, one mode of attachment being by use of a screw seen at 150 in FIG. 14, to penetrate through a hole 151 in tab 120, and into secondary bone zone 112.

FIG. 14 shows two such clips 110 attached to opposite edges 111 b and 111 c of a primary bone zone 111, such as a flap removed from the skull. When the flap is attached to the skull, as into opening 130, the tabs 120 are attached to the upper surfaces 112 a of the skull, at opposite sides of the opening. FIG. 15 shows four such clips attached to the flap 111, at four edges 111 b-111 e.

FIG. 12 illustrates a modified clip 210, having elements 220, 220 a, 221, 221 a and 221 b, like corresponding elements of clip 110. Extension 120 a in FIG. 11 has two laterally spaced legs 120 a′ and 120 a″ that extend downwardly below the level of projection 121, and projection 121 has flat upper and lower surfaces; whereas in FIG. 12 the extension lower extent 220 a′ is laterally continuous, and projection 221 is cylindrical, and tapers at its forward end.

A further modified clip 250 is shown in FIG. 16, and has elements like those of clip 10, as viewed in FIGS. 2-7. Such corresponding elements are given the same numbers. Also, the clip downward extension 20 a has left and right wings 20 a′ and 20 a″.

FIG. 17 shows a hand tool 80 to receive the FIG. 16 clip in position for forward, push-in attachment to bone zone 11, as described. Tool 80 has a body 81, with a top recess 82 to fit the tab 20. Forward facing surface 83 engages and positions the clip downward extensions 20 a and its two wings 20 a′ and 20 b′. Tool pins 84 and 85 closely fit into holes 86 and 87 in those two wings, for alignment. Aligners in the form of alignment bars 87 and 88 projecting forwardly from body 81 ride onto the top surface 11 a of the flap 11, prior to penetration of the projection 21 a into the marrow 15, so that the proper level of the projection 21 relative to top surface 11 a is established. A tool handle appears at 89, and facilitates forward pushing of the tool and clip, and retraction of the tool, off the clip after its push-in assembly to the flap. In this way, accurate assembly is rapidly achieved.

The clips as disclosed herein may consist of metal or plastic (synthetic resin) material. One desirable metal is titanium.

Clips 10, 110, and 210 may be inverted, for alternate installations relative to the bone zones.

Referring to FIGS. 19-22, the illustrated views of modified clip 200 correspond to views 3-6 of clip 10.

The clip 200, which is preferably metallic, includes the following:

a) a tab 220 to extend over a surface 212 a of the secondary bone zone 212 above surface level;

b) a first projection 221 carried by the tab and configured to penetrate the exposed diploe of the primary bone zone 211 at the edge 11 c of that zone (and typically into diploe 215);

c) and at least one second projection such as barb 222 carried by the tab and configured to engage (for example gouge into) the exposed diploe 216 of the secondary bone zone 212, below the level of surface 212 a.

In the example, two such second projections or barbs 222 are provided, as is clear from FIGS. 20 and 22, and they are located at opposite sides of a lengthwise plane 223 bisecting the clip, including projection 221. One such barb is seen in FIG. 18. Such projections are equally spaced from plane 223, and are formed in lower portions 222 a of 220 a, with adjacent through openings 222 a′. The projection 221 has a leg 221 a, and its terminal is sharpened at 221 b, to facilitate penetration of the bone zone 215, as seen in FIG. 21. Leg 221 a and projection 221 extend forwardly from a tab downward extension 220 a; and projection or barb 222 extends back upwardly at an acute toward the underside of the tab 220. Note that projection 222 extends from tab lower extension 220 a and is U-shaped. A bend is formed at 222 d.

Side wings 240 and 241 integral with downward extension 220 a contain through openings 243 to receive fasteners (if used) to attach to 221. 

We claim:
 1. A clip to inter-connect primary and secondary bone zones having edges, comprising in combination: a) a tab to extend over a surface of the secondary bone zone, above a level defined by that surface, and b) a first projection carried by the tab and configured to penetrate the primary bone zone at the edge thereof, and below said first level.
 2. The combination of claim 1 including an extension of the tab projecting below said first level, said extension carrying the first projection.
 3. The combination of claim 2 including a second projection carried by the tab and configured to engage the secondary bone zone at the edge thereof, and below said surface level.
 4. The combination of claim 3 wherein the second projection is carried by the tab extension.
 5. The combination of claim 2 wherein said tab has the form of a plate that extends forwardly and then downwardly to define said extension, said first projection extending generally parallel to the tab and forwardly from a part of the tab extension below said level.
 6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said first projection has a sharp terminal to enable penetration of bone marrow.
 7. The combination of claim 3 wherein said first projection projects in a direction generally away from said second projection.
 8. The combination of claim 4 wherein said second projection has a sharp terminal to enable penetration of diploe.
 9. The combination of claim 1 wherein said second projection extends at an acute angle relative to said extension, and toward said tab.
 10. The combination of claim 2 including at least one of the following: i) a through hole in the tab to receive a fastener, and ii) a through hole in the extension, to receive a fastener.
 11. The combination of claim 1 including another second projection carried by the tab in sidewardly spaced relation to the first mentioned second projection, and configured to engage the secondary bone zone at the edge thereof, and below said level.
 12. The combination of claim 11 wherein each said second projection has a sharp terminal to enable penetration of bone tissue, said sharp terminals being relatively divergent.
 13. The combination of claim 12 wherein each second projection extends back upwardly at an acute angle toward the tab, where said angle is about 30°.
 14. The combination of claim 3 including said primary bone zone penetrated by a tip of said first projection, and said secondary bone zone engaged by a tip of said second projection.
 15. The combination of claim 1 including a cranial bone flap defining said primary bone zone.
 16. The combination of claim 15 including multiple of said clips having said first projections penetrating the primary bone zone below a surface defined by the flap.
 17. The combination of claim 3 wherein said second projection is a barb.
 18. The combination of claim 17 wherein there are two of said barbs angled upwardly, and located on zones defined by said tab extension, said zones projecting laterally oppositely relative to said first projection.
 19. The combination of claim 18 including attachment wings defined by said extension.
 20. The method of using a clip to interconnect primary and secondary bone zones having edges, the clip comprising a) a tab to extend over a surface of the secondary bone zone, above a level defined by that surface, and b) a first projection carried by the tab and configured to penetrate the primary bone zone at the edge thereof, and below said first level, said method including the steps i) causing the first projection to penetrate said primary bone zone, ii) and then locating the tab to extend over said surface of the secondary bone zone, and attaching the tab to said surface.
 21. The method of claim 20 including a second projection carried by the tab and configured to engage the secondary bone zone at the edge thereof, and below said surface level, the method including displacing the clip and said second projection to engage the secondary bone zone at the edge thereof, below said surface level.
 22. The method of claim 20 wherein said step i) includes pushing the clip toward said primary bone zone to effect push-in penetration of the first projection into said primary bone zone.
 23. The method of claim 22 including orienting the second projection at the edge of the secondary bone zone to resist reverse displacement of the clip in an upward or opposite direction relative to the secondary bone zone.
 24. The method of claim 23 including effecting penetration of the edge of the secondary bone zone by the second projection in an angular direction toward the tab.
 25. A cranial clip comprising, in combination a) a clip having a support plate, b) a flange integral with the plate and extending away from the plate, c) at least one push-in tang integral with and protruding from the flange and extending generally parallel to the plate, d) said tang having a sharp tip to be pushed into cranial soft bone tissue proximate an edge of the skull.
 26. The combination of claim 25 including an installation tool interfitting the clip support plate and flange, for forwardly pushing and guiding the clip, as the tang penetrates said soft bone tissue.
 27. The combination of claim 25 wherein the clip flange has at least one integral ring, and an aligner on the ring.
 28. The combination of claim 26 wherein the tool has at least one alignment bar projecting forwardly at the level of the top plate, for guided engagement with the top of the skull.
 29. Apparatus to prevent a bone fragment from entering the cranial cavity, during positioning of said fragment at an opening in the cranium, comprising a) a carrier for the bone fragment, and b) an aligner on the carrier to engage a surface or surfaces of the cranium during positioning of the bone fragment relative to said cranial opening.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the aligner has left and right slide surfaces to engage the cranial outer surface, as the aligner and bone fragment are moved forwardly. 